Myofunctional Therapy: Crossfit for Above the Neck

Ashley Horn, CRDH, BHM
Ashley Horn, born and raised in Palm Beach County, graduated from Palm Beach State College in 2005 with Dental Hygiene and General Education degrees. She has been working in private dental practice since then. She expanded her expertise into Myofunctional Therapy with training from the Las Vegas Institute and the Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy in 2020. Ashley became an adjunct instructor in Palm Beach State College’s Dental Hygiene program in 2021 and is the Lead Dental Radiology Lab instructor as of 2024. She is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Health Management while balancing her roles as a wife and mother, enjoying long-distance running, paddleboarding, and reading.
Program Description:
This program delves into the realm of Myofunctional Therapy, likening it to a Crossfit regimen for facial and oral muscles. It begins by explaining what Myofunctional Therapy is, emphasizing its holistic approach to improving muscle function in the facial and oral areas.
Key Points:
- Understanding Myofunctional Therapy: The definition and 4 main goals ( Promote nasal breathing, Correct tongue posture, Improve swallowing patterns, Enhance oral rest posture: Lip seal)
- Identifying who would benefit from Myofunctional Therapy: Signs and symptoms indicating a need for therapy. Target audience: Individuals needing arch expansion prior to orthodontics, Orthodontic retention to prevent relapse, Pre and Post labial and lingual frenectomy removals, active tongue thrust causing abnormal occlusion, patients at risk orcurrently diagnosed with sleep apnea, presence of forward head and neck posture.
- Implementing Myofunctional Therapy into my Practice: Sample Adult Assessment and Treatment Plan. Collaboration with other healthcare professionals (i.e. dentist, orthodontist, speech pathologist) for comprehensive treatment.
- Further Learning and Resources ( AOMT):
Introduction to the Academy of Orafacial Myofunctional Therapy as a comprehensive resource. Educational opportunities, virtual workshops, and certification are offered by AOMT to deepen understanding and practice.
This program is an enlightening introduction to Myofunctional Therapy, providing practitioners with the foundational knowledge needed to start assessments and practical tools to implement it effectively in patient care. Hopefully, it will spark new intrigue and empower participants to continue their learning and professional development in this specialized field.
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